Associate Professor
Dr. Rachael Suddarth joined the Master of Speech-Language Pathology faculty in 2011 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Suddarth conducts research in the area of language-based learning disabilities, particularly impairment in reading and writing.
She has worked as a speech-language pathologist in many different settings, but is particularly interested in treatment for language impairment (problems in reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in children and college-aged students. Dr. Suddarth teaches Research Methods, Advanced Language Disorders, and Phonetics courses.
She spends her free time playing with her sons Eli, Ian, and Bigby, reading good books, playing board games, and appreciating her husband Tim.
Education and Training
- PhD, University of Arizona, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
- MA, BS, Truman State University, Communication Disorders
I believe that learning is evolution, taking the pieces of our lives and applying them to the experiences at hand. In class I give my students material from television shows, magazine articles, and trade paperbacks as an entry point to the professional knowledge that they have to know.
Dr. Suddarth, on what makes her an interesting teacher
Research
Becker, K. & Suddarth, R. (2017 May). Adolescent social communication and 1:1 laptop programs: The effect of technology in the schools on social communication. Poster presentation at St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Cooper, S., Lewis, L., Walters, V., & Suddarth, R. (2017 May). The awareness and use of accommodations for students with disabilities at St. Ambrose University. Poster presentation at St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Lapacz, T., Obenhaus, S., & Suddarth, R. (2017 May). Factors that influence perceived resiliency in graduate programs. Poster presentation at St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Trumbull, J. & Suddarth, R. (2017 May). What are the potential gaps in knowledge impacting educator's ability to identify dyslexia/at-risk students for reading disability. Poster presentation at St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Suddarth, R. (2016 Nov). One Piece of Paper: Hands-On Strategies to Engage Language Impaired Students in Vocabulary Learning. Seminar, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention. Philadelphia, PA.
Suddarth, R. (2016 Oct). Language and Literacy Routine. Invited continuing education presentation, Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Iowa City, IA.
Hoffmire, B., Motto, C., & Suddarth, R. (2016 Oct). Are speech buddies placement tools effective in therapy method for treatment-resistant phonemes? Poster Presentation, Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Iowa City, IA.
Suddarth, R. (2016 Oct). Advocacy day and how to engage all year. Invited poster presentation, Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Iowa City, IA.
Suddarth, R. (2016 Oct). Building early literacy for children with developmental challenges. Invited continuing education presentation, Building a Brighter Future For Young Children, sponsored by Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities and St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Concaldi, J., Wylie, L., & Suddarth, R. (2016 May). Effectiveness of speech buddy tools: For clients with therapy resistant speech sound disorders. Poster presentation at St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Jakomin, J., Rio, C., & Suddarth, R. (2016 May). Education, attitudes, and instruction time spent on transgender voice and communication therapy in graduate level speech-language pathology programs. Poster presentation at St. Ambrose University. Davenport, IA.
Zender, R. & Suddarth, R. (2015 Nov). The impact of mental health counseling on stroke survivor caregiver burden scores. Poster Presentation at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Denver, CO.
Good, S. & Suddarth, R. (2015 Oct). The impact of combat trauma on returning service members success in transitioning into higher education. Poster Presentation at Iowa State Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Des Moines, IA.
Histed, L. Hartley, T., & Suddarth, R. (2015 May). Comparing errorful and errorless approaches: plication in the treatment of anomia for patients with aphasia. Poster Presentation at St. Ambrose. Davenport, IA.
Publications
Suddarth, R., Vance, R., & Plante, E. (2012). Written language characteristics in adults with language-based learning disabilities. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. 55, 409-420.
Alt, M. & Suddarth, R. (2012). Sublexical influences on lexical learning in children with specific language impairment. Journal of Communication Disorders. 45, 84-97.
Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice
Research Methods 1 and 2
Early Intervention
School-Aged Language Disorders
Phonetics
St. Ambrose University
Faculty Learning Community Leader (2017 - Present)
Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) - Member (2017- Present)
Council for an Integrative Learning Environment - Co-Chair (2012- Present)
Faculty Development Committee - Chair (2013 - 2016)
MSLP Research Committee - Chair (2012 - Present)
Human Book Day 2016 - 30 Million More Words: What Do We Need to Solve Injustice in Education?
Mission Week Talk 2016 - Integrity
Convocation 2016 - Keynote
The State of Interdisciplinary Learning on Campus - CILE Event - Co-Moderator: November 2016
Incorporating Justice in Fall Courses - CTE Event - Presenter: March 2015
Incorporating Gender in Fall Courses - CTE Event - Presenter: March 2014
Incorporating Sustainability in Spring Courses - CTE Event - Presenter: October 2013
Other Professional Service
Facilitating Service Learning Student Projects in the Quad City Area
Hope at the Brick House - Assist in planning and implementing fundraiser, Resource for the director and parents in establishing appropriate Individualized Education Plans for students
Other Professional Service and Outreach Not Related to the Discipline
President Madison Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (2016 - present)
Minister at Damascus Road QC (2011-present)
Invited speaker and content contributor for spiritual discipline training for collegiate ministries (2008-present)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Mentoring for Academic-Research Careers - Mentor (2013 - Present)
Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Vice President Government, Colleges, and Universities (2015 - Present)
Establish advocacy day at the state capitol for students in Iowa in speech-pathology programs (2016 - Present)
Convention Planning Committee - Member (2015 - Present)
Contact
Rachael Suddarth
Master of Speech-Language Pathology
Center for Communication and Social Development, 1310 W. Pleasant St.
Mail: 518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-3923
SuddarthRachaelM@sau.edu